Molecular characterization of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal RNA gene, haplotypes and pathogenicity of potato rot nematode Ditylenchus destructor in China

Abstract Potato rot nematode Ditylenchus destructor is one of the most damaging pests in potato-producing regions and causes severe yield losses worldwide. However, D. has been rarely reported potato crops China. We collected 542 samples from 17 Chinese provinces during 2016–2020 for detection using species-specific primers universal targeting ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) or 28S RNA (rRNA) sequences. was detected 14.94% total samples, primarily Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (43 sites), Jilin Province (12 Shaanxi (9 sites). The first time Guizhou Ningxia Hui Region. Phylogenetic analysis 33 ITS sequences along with prediction secondary structure helix H9 ITS1 revealed that haplotypes A, B, C accounted 6.06%, 9.09%, 69.70% our detections, respectively, while 15.15% were comprised H–L, extensive genetic diversity Gansu Province. Using RNAfold software, we analyzed 124 populations based on their sequences, results showed C, E, F, new M–P 49.19%, 12.10%, 15.32%, 3.23%, 1.61%, 18.55% respectively. Infection tests cultivar ‘Helan 15’ significant difference infection capacity among different populations. information obtained this study spatial patterns China provides valuable insights into development an integrated approach management plant-parasitic nematode.